by Rye Hart
As I was tying my apron, Liza approached with a smug smile on her face. “You’ve apparently made quite an impression on someone,” she said, pointing to a booth in the back where Chance sat alone.
My stomach flipped at the sight of him and I subconsciously smoothed my hair back from my face. “Um, we’re the only diner in town. Plus, he is just here to talk over the tutoring job he offered me.”
“Hmm, too bad. I thought maybe he was here to throw you over his shoulder and give you a good roll in the hay,” she said, waggling her eyebrows at me.
I laughed and smacked her with my order pad, shaking my head as I approached Chance’s booth.
“Hey there. Can I get you something?” I asked.
He looked up at me and his blue eyes pinned me to where I stood. “How about a slice of pie and some coffee?” he asked.
Oh, I’ve got a slice of pie for you, I thought to myself naughtily. Jesus, what was wrong with me? Here I was, barely out of an abusive relationship, and this complete stranger had me thinking all kinds of dirty thoughts. I cleared my throat and smiled.
“Let me grab that for you, and I’ll be right back.” I hurried into the kitchen and cut a slice of pie. I poured him a fresh cup of coffee and put it on the tray and returned to the table.
I leaned up against the booth and waited until he’d tasted the pie. Even the way he chewed was sexy. “So when do want me to start?” I asked, needing to speak before I started imagining what else his mouth would look good doing.
“I guess as soon as possible. She’s having difficulty reading. She’s gone through some significant trauma and doesn’t talk a lot. Her teacher and counselor think she needs some special attention and I’m hoping it will give her confidence as well. Maybe bring her out of her shell.”
“I think we’ll get along great. From what I saw, she seemed to be a sweet girl.”
“Yeah, she opened up to you about her doll the other day. I haven’t seen her do that with anyone, so you must have the special touch.” He looked me up and down, as he said the words and I wondered what his touch would be like.
I blinked a few times and pushed away the thoughts. I had to be professional working with his daughter, and she was a special case having been through trauma. I didn’t need to complicate things with thoughts of sex; not for the little girl, or for myself.
“Did you and your wife divorce?” The question seemed to confuse him a bit, but then he shook his head.
“Star’s not my daughter, she’s my niece. My brother passed away, and then her mother grieved herself into an unfit situation. I took her in about three months ago, so this is a new situation for her. She was in the system awhile since I was away, so I’m not sure what’s she’s been through because she doesn’t share much, but it was enough to make her stop talking, and she doesn’t trust people easily.”
“Oh, I’m so sorry. It sounds like she’s really had a hard time. I am trained to deal with children in delicate situations though, so I think we’ll be fine.”
“Yeah, I wish I’d just hired you on the spot yesterday, but I thought I better think about it a while. I can’t be too careful with her, it seems. I feel like she’s a little China doll that’s going to break.”
“Well, you seemed like an old pro the other day.”
“Thanks. I’ve been told I’ll get the hang of it.”
So it really was just him and her. It took a special man to take on his brother’s child that way, especially since he was all alone without anyone to help him. Most men wouldn’t take on such a responsibility. I could feel my infatuation growing, along with the warmth between my legs.
“Well, I’m off Friday evening if you’d like me to start then, but there’s a girl starting here next week, so I can get Liza to make sure I’m scheduled off two nights a week if you like. Maybe Tuesdays and Thursdays would be good?”
“Friday is good, I don’t see any point in waiting, and if you’re worried about a schedule, any two nights during the week will work, and it can even vary if you need it to. I’m not picky, really. I do most of my work during the day since I work from home. I can pay fifty dollars per session. It seems to be the average rate for someone with experience.”
“Excellent. Well, I’ll see you then.”
Chance wrote his address on an order ticket and we agreed on a time for me to come over. I walked back over to the counter to where Liza was standing with a grin on her face. “What?” I asked.
“Oh, nothing,” she said, looking at me sideways.
“No, seriously, what?” I asked again.
“You really don’t see how he looks at you? Like he wants to lick you like he’s licking that fork over there?”
I watched his tongue dance over his fork before he placed it on his plate, and I was instantly wet. It had been way too long since a man had paid any attention to my needs. Nick had always been about his own pleasure, and that had usually included causing me pain. I allowed myself a brief moment to wonder what it might be like to be spread out underneath a man like Chance, and I had to stifle a groan.
I shook my head and picked up the coffee pot, stepping around the counter to refill the few customers in the place. “You’re ridiculous,” I said to Liza as I turned, and heard her chuckle behind me.
Chance finished his dessert and paid his check, offering a smile and a nod as he walked out. “See you Friday,” he called back before the door closed behind him.
I felt a sudden rush of nerves. I was more than qualified to tutor Star in reading, and yet for some reason I was questioning my decision to do it. Why was that?
The bells on the door sounded, and I turned to greet my new guests and caught something out of the corner of my eye. It was a black car with a light on the front, just like my ex owned through the force. He had been a cop for fifteen years and had more connections than a mob member. I froze in panic. Had he found me?
“Dream?” Liza stepped around in front of me and then turned her head as if to see what I was staring at. “Dream, are you okay? What is it?”
“Do you see that black car?”
“The one with the extra light?”
“Yes, that one. Do you know who that is?” I hoped that it was some local I’d never seen, but I wasn’t sure I’d get that lucky. My ex had found me time and time again, and each time, the abuse had been worse.
“Read the door, Dream. It’s just one of those boys over from the next county. He’s probably just passing through. They do that about once a month to take people over to the penitentiary.”
“I thought it was Nick’s people for a moment. I’m so sorry.”
She turned me toward the ladies’ room. “You go in there and wash your face and take a few deep breaths. You look like you’ve seen a ghost.”
“I feel like I’ve seen one.” I walked into the bathroom and looked in the mirror. I did look pale, but I couldn’t help it. I would rather die than face that man again. I took a paper towel from the dispenser and wet it, then I slapped it on the back of my neck.
I had to pull myself together. I couldn’t fear him the rest of my life, and that’s why I’d come to a place he’d never find me to start over. I’d make damned sure I had a good life here and was lucky I’d found people willing to help me. Even if I had to live on the streets, I’d promised myself that I’d survive. Once a little time had passed, he’d forget all about me, and I’d be able to stop looking over my shoulder. I just prayed that time would come sooner than later.
CHAPTER FIVE - CHANCE
Star’s teacher helped her into the car as I pulled to a stop in the circle. “Have a good weekend, sweetie,” she said before she shut the door.
I drove us away as she hooked her seatbelt around her and Jackie. I’d remembered to bring the doll every day since she’d asked, but for one, and after the look of disappointment on her face, I’d make damned sure not to do that again.
“Can we get pizza?”
“Do you remember I told you how that nice lady from the din
er was going to come over and help you with your reading?” She looked over at me with a solemn expression.
“I thought we’d wait and see if she would like to have pizza with us. Would you be okay with that?
“She doesn’t like pizza,” Star said, very matter of fact.
“Now, how do you know that? It might be her very favorite, and besides, we don’t want to be rude and start without her. She’s going out of her way to help us both.”
“I don’t want to read.” Star poked out her bottom lip and crossed her arms.
“I know you don’t like the way you read, Star, but Dream is not going to laugh at you. She’s really excited to help you a better reader. Think of this as having your own special teacher; one the other kids don’t get to have.”
She turned her head to look up at me, but she didn’t say anything else. I hoped she’d lighten up a little by the time Dream arrived, and not shut down completely. I’d seen her do that before. The day before she’d started school, she’d locked herself in the bathroom and wouldn’t come out. I finally, after an hour of begging, took the door off the hinges, and she was mad at me for the rest of the night.
For the most part, she was a reasonable kid, but she was extremely guarded in who she let in. I was just starting to break through to her myself.
We arrived home, and she went to take a bath, and while she was changing, there was a knock on the door. I opened the door and my breath was taken away by the angel on the other side.
Dream stood there, wearing a white fitted tee and tight jeans that showed off every curve. My cock grew, tenting my pants and though I needed to adjust it, I wasn’t about to touch the damned thing. Instead, I hid behind the door and opened it wide enough for her to step in.
“Come on in. Star’s in a strange mood. I think she’s a bit embarrassed by the tutoring. She should be out any minute.”
“She’ll be fine once she sees it’s going to be fun. I brought some really cute books for us to read.”
I was glad to see she’d come prepared.
A moment later, Star came out of her room dressed in her pajamas and carrying Jackie, who had on a little nightgown. She padded across the floor and stood beside me holding onto my good leg.
I looked at Dream who was smiling down at her. “We were just going to order some pizzas if you’d like to join us, then I thought you could get started with your lesson.”
“I’m tired. I want to go to bed.” Star turned and headed to her room, and I realized what she was up to. She’d rather go to bed hungry than be humiliated by reading with Dream.
Before I could get onto her, Dream stepped forward.
“Really? I was hoping I could read this book to you before you went to bed. It’s one of my favorites, and I used to read it to my first-grade class all the time. I really miss being able to teach.” She hung her head in disappointment, and Star’s little shoulders relaxed a bit.
“Dream was a teacher back in Chicago,” I told her.
Dream walked over to the couch and continued her sob story. “I miss those little ones so much. It hurt my heart to have to move away. It’s tough making new friends, and no one needs me to teach them around here.” She looked to her lap and held the book tight. “I was so hoping you’d want to be my friend.”
Star walked over to the couch and climbed up beside Dream. “You’re a teacher?”
“Yes, I taught a first-grade class at a place called Oak Brook Elementary. But I had to move away.”
Star seemed to contemplate that for a moment before nodding at Dream. “You can read to me. Do you like pepperoni and ham?”
Dream’s face lit up. “Is that your favorite too?”
Star nodded quickly and smiled.
“I’ll just go order us a couple and let you two ladies get better acquainted.” I breathed a sigh of relief as I walked into the kitchen to get the number. I peeked out to see that Dream was still working her magic with Star, and dialed the phone.
Once the order was made, I went back into the room and tried to act busy while the girls worked.
Dream read the book through and then went over a few words with Star. “You’re doing really well, Star, and I think before you know it, you’ll be able to read this book to me.”
“Do you have Dr. Seuss?” Star leaned closer to Dream and took Jackie from where she had her stuffed between them. She’d used the doll as her shield, and it seemed now she was warming up where she didn’t need the buffer.
“You know, I might be able to find one of those books around here. I’ll go to the library tomorrow and get anyone you want. How about we make a list of the books you like, and I’ll bring them when I come?”
Star’s eyes lit up, and she jumped down from the couch and ran up to her room. Once she was out of earshot, Dream turned to me.
“I think she’s going to do just fine. She just needs to get comfortable enough with me to not be embarrassed to try.”
“You’re doing great so far,” I told her. About that time, Star ran out with her tablet and a box of crayons.
“This is for the list.” She placed the items on the coffee table between them, and then went around to sit next to Dream.
“Excellent. Now, let’s make that list.” Dream took a crayon, and they went back and forth naming titles. One by one she’d mark them down, and now and then she’d pass the crayon to Star and have her write a word from the title; simple words like ham, fox, cat, and hat.
When the pizza came, I placed it on the table and brought some paper plates and sodas. “We usually eat at the kitchen table, but since this is a special night, we can eat in here.” Star’s eyes lit up, and she moved the list aside and opened the pizza box.
“I was hoping the ham would be green,” she said with a giggle.
I scrunched my nose and made a face. “I’m glad it’s not.”
“Do you not like green eggs and ham?” asked Dream.
“I do not like them near or far; I do not like them with Dream and Star.” They both laughed until I thought Star was going to bust, and then we all sat eating and chatting about our favorite books. I even named a couple that were my brother’s favorites when we were kids, and Star, with Dream’s help, added them to the list.
Soon we were done with the pizza, and then Dream went over the book again at Star’s request. A half hour later, Star opened her mouth, letting a big yawn escape her. Our chat had taken up most of the tutoring time, but I knew it was necessary so Star would get comfortable with Dream.
“That was a big yawn for a little girl; I think someone’s ready for their bedtime.” I stood from my chair. “I think it’s time you tell Dream goodnight and I’ll tuck you in.”
“Yes. I should be going. It’s almost my bedtime as well.”
“No, I want to show you my room.” Star’s voice was so whiny that I knew she was worn out. Just as I was about to tell her that Dream had to go, Dream looked up at me with sympathetic eyes.
“I could if it’s okay with your uncle?” I could tell she wasn’t sure she should impose, but I wanted her around as long as possible too. And besides, if she tucked her in, then I could walk her out to her car.
“I think that would be all right.” I gave a shrug then picked up the pizza boxes and took them to the kitchen while the girls headed up to Star’s room. I tossed the empty cans into the trash along with the paper plates, and then went in to check on them.
Star was climbing into bed, and Dream sat at the foot of it. “You have a pretty room.” I’d bought a bedroom set and some pretty bedding, and since her birthday she actually had a few toys that she kept picked up. Her play kitchen was tidy in the corner of her room.
“Thanks. I just got my kitchen.”
“It’s beautiful. I wish I had a kitchen as pretty at that one. I’d bake us a big cake.”
“I had a birthday cake last weekend. It was pink and blue. It had a tiara.” She pointed up at her headboard where her little crown was, and pulled the covers up to her neck.
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“That’s beautiful too. You’ll have to wear it sometime for our lessons. We’ll have a lot of them.”
“Next time can you wear your pajamas?”
Dream’s face turned red as she glanced back at me, and my ears went hot.“We’ll have to see about that.”
“You could wear them and sleep over sometime if you want.”
I had to stifle a groan. If Dream were to ever spend the night in my house, she would not be wearing any pajamas, that’s for damn sure. “Star, Dream has her own house and her own bed, and I’m sure she’s really ready to get in it. It’s been a long night.” I didn’t want to sound rude, but Star was fighting sleep, and I knew she’d keep talking as long as she could. Not to mention, if I kept entertaining the thought of a sleepover, my erection would be impossible to hide.
“Yes, and my roommate, Liza. She’s going to want me to read to her little boy too. Maybe you can meet him sometime. He’s two, and his name is Brady.”
“Okay. But you’ll come back, right?”
“Of course, as long as your uncle thinks I need to. Now you should really get some sleep, sweetie. Being rested will help you do better too.” Dream stood up and tucked the covers up to her chin. “I’m so glad we’re friends, now Star. We’ll have a lot of fun, you’ll see.” She kissed her hand and then patted Star’s little head.
Star seemed pleased to hear that, and she didn’t complain as I walked Dream out.
I walked her to her car, and we both reached for the door at the same moment, our fingers brushing against one another briefly. She pulled her hand away as if she’d been burned, and a surge of electricity shot up my arm. I took a slight step back as she opened the door and stood behind it, putting a barrier between us. I couldn’t tell if it was because she was afraid of me, or because she’d felt the same lightning bolt I had.
I cleared my throat to break the tension. “Well, I guess I’ll see you next week.”
“Thanks for dinner and for letting me tuck Star in. I know it wasn’t really in the agreement.”
“Nonsense, I know she’s in need of a little extra TLC, and I’m fine with it if it helps her warm up to the idea of tutoring.”
